PITTSBURGH (AFP) — Pittsburgh Penguins Canadian centre Sidney Crosby resumed skating this week, though the team has given no timetable for his return.

The all-star suffered a badly sprained ankle last month and is expected to be out until March.

Crosby, 20, suffered the injury in a 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 18, when he coasted feet first into the end boards.

Currently tied with Evgeni Malkin for the team lead with 63 points, Crosby was placed on the injured list in January and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

His appearance this week, has many speculating that his return will be sooner than later.

The Penguins have gone 3-2-2 since losing their captain and their 63 points are just two behind Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia.